Sandy Stress – how to deal?

How do deal with stress and anguish from Hurricane Sandy

By Jessica Kasevich

Dear Fellow Hobokenites,

I am sorry that many of you have experienced such tragedy as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

It is sad to see our town is in such disarray and our citizens struggling. It is my goal that this letter will help you understand many of the normal feelings that arise as a result of being exposed to such a traumatic event such as Hurricane Sandy, ways in which to manage these feelings and or symptoms and community resources available to you. I hope that this information will decrease any stress you may have and increase your vision for a better future for you, your family and the community of Hoboken.

Many of your are probably feeling STRESSED, tired of wondering if your power and heat will be turned on or wondering how long you will have to wait in line at the gas pumps, hoping that the stressed out motorist plowing through the intersection will stop, wishing for a warm home cooked meal and a hot cup of coffee.

Some of you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, your home, car and possessions. Whatever losses you are dealing with know that it is normal to feel an array of mixed emotions: anger, frustration, fatigue and sadness.

Please monitor these symptoms in the upcoming weeks and months and know that if they persist you may be experiencing Depression or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and know that this is common after such a horrific and stressful tragedy.

How to decrease onset of Depression and/or PTSD?

Decrease exposure to media coverage as watching the events over and over again increasing the likely that one will develop Depression and or PTSD

Take deep breaths to decrease anger if the feeling surfaces

Plan ahead for future hurricanes to increase sense of safety

If children are watching media coverage point out the helping professions, fire fighters, police to increase sense of safety instead of fear

Solicit questions from children. Fear of the unknown is worse than knowing

Spend time with others: Social support or lack there of is a major factor in recovery from Depression and PTSD. Those without family or social support have a higher rate of lingered symptoms then those who do

Other Resources:

If symptoms of Depression and PTSD linger and life becomes difficult to mange it is advisable to seek help from your doctor and or a therapist

Local support Group in the area The Depression and Bi-Polar Support Alliance located at 880 Bergen Avenue 6th Floor Jersey City. Contact: Randall Goya:rgoya@yahoo.com for more information

For the past three months I have been writing articles for Hoboken411. When I was first introduced I explained my branding, that my company is geared toward helping our commuter community as illustrated by my logo, webpage, and tagline: your life back on track (referring to the Path) and pictures associated with being a commuter: Path and maps. I am sorry if many of you first time readers today were not aware of my branding.
I also know that many people do not have insurance and have provided information on a free support group in the resource section of the article and the Community Mental Health Center associated with Hoboken University Medial center which provides counseling services on a sliding scale fee. Many therapists do not take insurance as the panels they apply for such as Oxford, and HBCBS have not been accepting new clients for quit sometime. This is my experience and the experiences of many other therapists. As mentioned in my website I do provide my patients with monthly statements for them to use as a tax write off under medical expenses.
The intention of the posting was to help people become aware of symptoms of depression, anxiety and possible PTSD. I do not believe people should have to live with these symptoms if there is help out there to alleviate them. As mentioned in the article if symptoms persist please contact your doctor or a therapist so you can get your life back on track. Again, I welcome any questions you may have.

[quote comment=”217984″]If she wanted to help she’d do it for free for group sessions or whatever….but capitalizing on a disaster is tasteless and NOT in the spirit of what we are about in Hoboken.[/quote]

CityGirlinHoboken this ones for you:
I have never read such a stupid reply to a blog in my life! This woman Jessica is trying to help us . I suggest that instead of having your nails done, your hair done, and buying the new outfit , you should save your pennies to get a good therapist.. you are clearly delusional. Should the police do their jobs without pay? Should the nurses do their jobs without pay? Should everyone just give you everything for free because you think they should?

I suggest you re-read Jessica’s post and get the help 😀 you need ( its clear you are too busy bashing people to read clearly).. but she did give us free advise and free resources.

I have lived in NJ all my life ( we stick and pull together) .. you clearly have no idea what that means ..if you want to say you are a city girl then leave NJ now! thank you

DADDY WON last night.It’s in Gods hands or a higher power..The proof of the pudding is in the taste..in regard to health care..Sometimes we get what we pray for..hang in there.[quote comment=”217993″]I WANT SOMEONE ELSE TO PAY FOR *MY* NON EMERGENCY HEALTH CARE. DADDY? GOVERNMENT? DADDY? INSURANCE COMPANY? DADDY?[/quote]

Funny, calling people crazy on a post concerning a therapist… this is stressing me out what to do laugh, cry, scream, sing or DANCE!!!! Dance I Say…..[quote comment=”218073″]I am getting tired of reading that this post was (shameless self promotion).. people read the post! before you leave a stupid comment .There was No Self Promotion In IT! ??? COME ON PEOPLE how crazy are you? Jk was just trying to help.. if you bothered reading.[/quote]